Hot Hits Weekend Best Bets - 4/17-4/19/26

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Central Ohio will offer a wide range of entertainment options this weekend, from live music and theater to sporting events and community festivals, as residents and visitors look for springtime activities April 17-19.

One of the weekend's signature literary events, the Ohioana Book Festival, is scheduled for Saturday at the State Library of Ohio, bringing together authors, readers and panel discussions celebrating Ohio literature.

Music fans will find multiple live performances across the region. Contemporary Christian artist Phil Wickham is set to perform Friday night at the Schottenstein Center as part of his "Song of the Saints Tour," joined by Tauren Wells and Jamie MacDonald. Meanwhile, electronic artist OMNOM is slated to perform Friday at The Forum, and a Pink Floyd tribute band, "Any Colour," will take the stage Friday night at The Summit Music Hall. Additional shows continue through the weekend, including McGuffey Lane on Saturday and Manic Focus with SunSquabi on Sunday at the same venue.

Classical music audiences can attend the Columbus Symphony's "Beethoven, Schumann & Brahms" masterworks performances Friday and Saturday at the Ohio Theatre.

Sports also play a central role in the weekend lineup. Amateur basketball teams will compete in the Nike Cup tournament running Friday through Sunday in Columbus. On Saturday, thousands are expected to gather downtown for AIDS Walk Ohio, a community fundraising event supporting HIV/AIDS services.

Sunday's schedule includes several professional and collegiate sporting events. The Columbus Clippers host the Iowa Cubs at Huntington Park, while Ohio State softball faces Penn State at Buckeye Field. The Columbus Fury volleyball team will also be in action at Nationwide Arena.

Theatergoers can catch multiple stage productions throughout the weekend, including "Miss Saigon" at Short North Stage and "Bat Out of Hell: The Musical" at the Palace Theatre on Sunday.

Family-friendly and low-cost activities remain widely available across the region, including library programs, museum opportunities and indoor play venues highlighted in community calendars. A regional dance competition running Thursday through Sunday is also expected to draw participants and spectators from across the Midwest.

Organizers say the variety of events reflects Columbus' growing reputation as a hub for arts, entertainment and sports, with options available for a wide range of interests throughout the spring season.